Page 13 of Chill’s Chance

Before we leave, Puma asks Claudia for her phone. “Here is my number and the number for the club. Someone will always pick up. You call if you need anything. I put our address in there too, just in case. Understand?”

Claudia takes the phone and holds it to her chest. “Thank you. I’m glad Slade has his daddy.”

“Us, too. Now one of my guys will be here later to shore up your place. His name is Max and he’ll be wearing a kutte like Showtime’s wearing. If you have any doubt, call me.”

We leave a flustered and pleased Claudia behind as we return to the clubhouse. The kids are riding with Showtime and Hunter in the SUV behind us. Hunter has found his son and I feel a sense of relief. But, I know what I’m feeling is more complex. It should thrill me he’s leaving, that he no longer has a reason to stay, but part of me wishes he wouldn’t go. It was easy to believe that I no longer had feelings for him when I couldn’t see his gorgeous green eyes or catch a whiff of his scent.

Fuck my life.

When we reach the clubhouse, I leave Showtime to help Hunter and Slade settle into rooms. I have a mission and I know I’m the only one who can complete it.

Finding Spark, I tell him what I need and why.

He stares at me for a few seconds before moving over to his computer. I expect him to sit and attack the keyboard, but he pulls out his desk drawer and retrieves a USB drive, handing it to me.

“I gathered all the data once you told me what happened to you.” He explains. “I have an alert in place in case another female officer files a report or resigns like you asked. However, I also researched previous instances and found five other women who met the MO. There’s information about all six of you on that drive. If you need help with anything else, you only have to ask.”

I turn the disk over in my fingers and fight back the tears of gratitude that threaten to fall. This is what being in an MC is all about. Brothers and sisters having your back. When I finally master my emotions, I raise my head and lock eyes with my brother. “Thank you.”

He nods before I turn away. Now to find a quiet place to make a phone call. I have a colonel to blackmail into giving Hunter his freedom.

CHAPTER EIGHT: HUNTER

I watch Chill disappear down the hallway to where the club has its offices while I follow Showtime down the opposite hall to the bedrooms.

“You can use this one.” Showtime says, opening the door to what could pass for a hotel room. “Puma said Slade can use this room for as long as you want. If you want me to bring any of the boxes we brought back from the apartment, let me know. They’re in the storage room.”

I thank her as I carry Slade and his duffel bag into the room. “I can manage it. Thank you, Showtime. I appreciate all your help.”

I unpack Slade’s duffel bag, chuckling at the items that he considered important enough to keep with him at all times. One pair of pajamas, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, but no underwear or socks. He also has a handheld video game and paperback versions of The Lord of the Rings. Have to admire his choice in literature. He also has a Legolas action figure.

First thing first. I need to find the rest of his clothes and his other stuff. “Let’s go on a treasure hunt.” I tell Slade as I lead him outside into the hall. Following Showtime’s directions, we find the storage room. I feel a sense of immense gratitude when I realize Showtime and Max organized the boxes so that Slade’s are front and center, while they tucked Nicole’s boxes in the back. The care they took in not making this harder than it needs to be for Slade, and maybe even myself, is touching.

“You packed all my things?” Slade asks when he realizes the boxes contain his items from the apartment.

“I had help.” I tell him. Between the two of us, we move his five boxes into his new room. While he’s busy taking out items and making the room his own, someone knocks on the door. I open it to find Puma with Mal and Elina in each arm.

“You’re unpacking.” Puma says, putting the kids down so they can help Slade.

“I just want him to feel comfortable here. We’ll get out of here once I figure out what the military has in store for me.” I assure him.

He studies me for a minute while Mal and Elina ooh and ahh over Slade’s action figures, video games and books.

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you need.” Puma says. “As for the military, you need to talk to Chill. She’s been working on something that might help you. It’s one reason I’m here. Also, wanted to see if Slade was ready for dinner and a movie.”

I glance back at Slade. Seeing him happy as he shows off his treasures, along with Puma’s words about my future, gives me hope. “Slade, buddy. You hungry?”

“We’re having cheese enchiladas.” Elina says to him. “My mom’s making them and they’re the best.”

Puma chuckles. “She’s right. Alisa doesn’t like to cook much, but when she does, magic.”

“What about my dad?” Slade asks. “Aren’t you going to eat?”

“We’ll save him some.” Elina assures him. “But we need to eat so we can watch a movie before we have to go to bed. Come on.” Elina takes his hand and leads him out of the room and down the hall to where Showtime and Max are waiting.

“Ready to talk with Chill and get your life back?” Puma asks.

I frown at him. “Can she really help me with this? I don’t see Chill doing anything to help me.”

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